COPELAND - Bea Alexander, daughter of the late Arthur and Hilda Fisher of Copeland, KS, was born on September 5, 1925 and transitioned from her physical body to Spirit on February 23, 2013. She married Norman Alexander, her childhood sweetheart, on January 28, 1945 in Dodge City, KS and they enjoyed over 50 years together. Norman passed away on June 26, 1999.

She is survived by her three children: Cyndie Alexander, Youngtown, AZ; Dennis Alexander, Albuquerque, NM; and Natalie Khayat, Stamford, CT ; a grandson, Christopher Alexander, Bozeman, MT; another grandson, Darren Alexander, preceded her in death in 1998; a great-granddaughter, Ariana Lipkind, Missoula, Mt. She is also survived by sisters Adeline Beck, Scottsdale, AZ; Laura Mills, Bloomington, IN; Judykay Kohler and husband Ken, Charlotte, NC; and a brother Tony Fisher and his wife Joyce, Copeland, KS in addition to 4 nieces, 3 nephews, 1 grand-niece, and 1 grand-nephew.

During the many years that Bea and her husband lived in Kansas, she kept the records for the Alexander Farm Corporation and later, when her children were grown and attending college, she went to work as a bookkeeper for the Unified School District for a number of years. She was a devoted and loving mother who always placed her children's needs and desires ahead of her own. When the children were young, she served as a Sunday school teacher in the Methodist Church in Copeland, as a Scout leader, sang in the church choir, and was forever serving as the official "chauffeur" to various ball games, music festivals, dance lessons, music lessons, and numerous other activities! Her family has always been the most important highlight in her life. She loved unconditionally, and with her eyes expressed the openness and unique beauty of her heart. She and Norman loved both ballroom and square dancing and belonged to an active pinochle club. Living in a small town in southwest Kansas was never dull and Bea devoted her life to making sure that her "kids" were always busy and out of trouble.

Two of Bea's most memorable events were a trip around the world that she and Norman made in 1971 and a vacation in Hawaii with her sister, Laura Mills. When they retired and moved to Sun City, Arizona in 1978, they joined the Willowbrook United Methodist Church. Bea soon discovered that she had a wonderful talent for china painting. Over the years, she created many beautiful pieces that have been gifted to friends and family----these beautiful art pieces are sure to be treasured for many years to come! In December of 2000, Bea moved into the retirement community of Freedom Plaza, and quickly became a "favorite" among the many residents in this wonderful facility. Everyone who knew Bea referred to her as "so special, kind, thoughtful, loving"------these are just a few of the adjectives that describe her beautiful and generous soul. She was indeed as beautiful on the inside as she was on the outside. Bea would be upset if we failed to mention that she was also one of the Phoenix Suns basketball team's more ardent fans! She knew all the player's names, as well as the names of most of their family members and would scour the sports section of the Arizona Republic after each game to make certain "her team" was given it's due respect! She now resides among the angels, and has joined other family members in eternal life. "When the body weeps for that which it has lost, the spirit laughs for what it has gained."

Please celebrate and honor her life with us during her memorial service at the Chapel in Willowbrook United Methodist Church, 19390 N. 99th Ave., Sun City AZ on April 4, 2013 at 2:00 pm. Another "Celebration of Life" service will be held at the Copeland Methodist Church on Friday, April 12, 2013 at 10:30 a.m. Inurnment will follow at the Copeland Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Hospice of the West, 21410 N. 19th Ave., Ste. 100, Phoenix, AZ 85027. Swaim Funeral Chapel of Sublette is in charge of local arrangements. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.